Cell Division/Cytokinesis

What is cytokinesis

• the division of the cytoplasm

Where does cytokinesis come in

• follows telophase and precedes the G1 phase of interphase

Cytokinesis in animal cells 

• cell membrane begins to invaginate at the equator during telophase

• microfilaments draw the cell surface membrane to form a furrow

• this pinches the cell into two at the cleavage furrow 

Cytokinesis in plant cells 

• sugar filled vesicles from the golig are lined up at the equator by microtubules. 

• collection of microtubules + vesicles is a phragmoplast (serves as a scaffolding) 

• vesicles fuse together to form the cell plate

• sugars remain in the space between membranes and form the middle lamella + new cell wall 

Preparation of a Temporary Microscopic Slide showing Mitosis

1. cut off 1cm of the growing root tip

2. transfer root tip to hot hcl and leave it to hydrolyze for 5mins to dissolve the middle lamellae

3. Wash + Dry

4. Transfer onto a clean microscope slide

5. Stain with toludine blue - and leave the stain to set for 2 minutes

6. Break up the tissues using a glass rod to spread it as thinly as possible

7. Blot off excess stain

8. Add a drop of water and cover with a coverslip and squash gently

9. View under the microscope